Gerard v. Social Security Administration

Filing 20

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the decision of the Commissioner is affirmed. A separate Judgment in accordance with this Memorandum and Order is entered this same date. Signed by District Judge Catherine D. Perry on October 23, 2013. (BRP)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
EASTERN DIVISION
MICHAEL GERARD,
Plaintiff,
vs.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,1
Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.

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Case No. 4:12CV2135 CDP

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
This is an action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) for judicial review of the
Commissioner‟s final decision denying Michael Gerard‟s application for
supplemental security income benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act,
42 U.S.C. §§ 1381 et seq. Claimant Gerard brings this action alleging disability
due to degenerative disc disease, impairments of the right elbow and shoulder,
osteoarthritis, and hypertension. The Administrative Law Judge concluded,
however, that Gerard is not disabled, and Gerard now appeals that decision.
Because I find that the overall decision denying benefits was supported by
substantial evidence, I will affirm.

1

Carolyn W. Colvin became the Acting Commissioner of Social Security on February 14,
2013. As such, she should be substituted for Michael J. Astrue as the defendant in this suit. Fed.
R. Civ. P. 25(d).

Procedural History
On May 14, 2009, Michael Gerard filed for supplemental security income
payments. The Social Security Administration denied Gerard‟s application at the
initial level. Missouri is one of several states participating in modifications to the
disability determination procedures, which include the elimination of the
reconsideration step in the administrative appeals process. 20 C.F.R. § 416.1406,
416.1466 (2011). Gerard‟s appeal in this case therefore proceeded directly from
this initial denial to the administrative law judge level. Gerard appeared and
testified at a hearing on June 23, 2011. The ALJ issued an opinion on July 8, 2011
upholding the denial of benefits. Gerard filed a request for review with the
Appeals Council on August 22, 2011. The Appeals Council denied Gerard‟s
request for review on September 27, 2012. Accordingly, the ALJ‟s determination
stands as the Commissioner‟s final determination. Gerard filed this request for
review on November 15, 2012.
Testimony Before the ALJ
At the time of the administrative hearing, Gerard was fifty-one years old.
He had completed nine years of schooling. Gerard stated that he lived with his
uncle, in his basement.
Gerard stated that he did not work at the time of the hearing. His most
recent employment was in 2003, when he worked for three months as a machine
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operator for Brentwood Plastics. Gerard testified that before working as a machine
operator, he worked on and off for twenty-five years in landscaping. He stated that
he did both design and building work, but that he had not worked in landscaping
for the past five or six years. Gerard testified that he also worked about six months
at All Bright Auto Cleanup, where he detailed automobiles. Gerard stated that he
worked as a cabinet maker in the early 1990s. Gerard testified that he hurt his back
in 1980, it has gotten worse over time, and it was the reason he stopped working in
the landscaping business as well as at Brentwood Plastics.
Gerard testified that his medications included Hydrocodone and Folic Acid.
He testified that his back bothered him all the time. In addition to his back pain,
Gerard testified that one of his elbows was bulged out, and he had pain in his right
knee, his left foot, and his right shoulder. He stated that he did not have any
fractures or arthritis. Gerard testified that he went to doctors for some
examinations, but had not seen a doctor for treatment of his pain because he could
not afford it. Gerard testified that he had seen Dr. Danielylan the week before the
hearing because of dizziness. He further stated that he was on medication for one
week, and that Dr. Danielylan wanted Gerard to get an MRI. Gerard testified that
the dizziness got worse when he jumped up quickly, or moved his head side to
side. He further stated that he was going to discontinue the medication because it
did not alleviate his dizziness and caused him headaches.
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Gerard testified that when he woke up in the morning, it took him an hour
before he could get motivated enough to do anything because he was in pain—
primarily in his back—and scared that any activity would hurt. He stated that he
had to do everything in moderation. Gerard described the back pain as a pinching,
and that it caused a shooting sensation down his right leg. In order to loosen it up
he would slowly begin doing activities, and occasionally lie back down to relieve
the pressure on his back. He stated that he would lie down at least once a day, and
on a bad day two or three times. Gerard testified that he would lie down for fifteen
or twenty minutes at a time. He testified that he could only be on his feet for
fifteen minutes before his back stiffened up again. Gerard further testified that he
could not sit for more than fifteen minutes before he had to get up and move or lie
down. He stated that he used a wheelchair, which helped keep him sitting straight,
and also a special office-type chair. Gerard had a cane at the hearing, and had been
using it for a couple of years for stability. Gerard stated that he only slept two or
three hours a night because of his back pain.
Gerard testified that his right knee felt like it wanted to bend backwards, and
that he would have swelling in the knee. He stated that the knee pain was brought
on by standing and walking. Regarding his right elbow, Gerard testified that he
only experienced pain if he overused it, and then he would get a tingling sensation
to the tips of his fingers. Gerard stated that he believed he dislocated his right
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shoulder at some time in the past, and although it had not totally cleared up, it did
not bother him much any more.
Gerard testified that he had trouble carrying a gallon of milk, and that lifting
hurt his back and knees. He stated that he went grocery shopping with his
girlfriend, that it took less than an hour, and that although he did not stop to rest
during shopping trips he felt like he should. Gerard testified that he did not drive
because he did not have a driver‟s license. He stated that he did all the housework
because his uncle was not in good health. He swept and mopped, but needed help
with mopping because of his back. Gerard also stated that he did the cooking for
himself and his uncle.
Medical Records
On January 5, 2009, Jack C. Tippett, M.D., performed a consultative
examination of Gerard in conjunction with a prior application for disability
benefits. Dr. Tippett observed that Gerard got up from a chair with slight
difficulty, walked with short, halting steps, and appeared unsteady, but did not use
a cane and had no definite limp. He further noted that Gerard had mild limitation
of motion in his neck and a rather rigid lower back with no significant bending to
the left or right. Dr. Tippett noted tenderness in the upper back and lumbar region.
Gerard had a full range of motion in the right shoulder but tenderness in the
acromioclavicular region and complained of a great deal of pain. Dr. Tippett also
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noted that Gerard‟s right elbow had slight tenderness, no significant swelling, and
would not straighten the last twenty degrees nor flex the last ten degrees. Dr.
Tippett noted that Gerard had a full range of motion in the remainder of the upper
extremities, no tenderness, good strength of grasp, and normal fine finger motion.
Gerard also had a normal range of motion in his hips, right knee, and left knee. Dr.
Tippett noted tenderness in Gerard‟s right knee and that the patellar mechanism
was slightly loose on the left side of his left knee. Dr. Tippett‟s clinical
impressions included flexion contracture of the right elbow, impingement
syndrome of the right shoulder, exostosis of the dorsum of the left foot, chronic
low back strain, and chronic intermittent right knee strain.
Dr. Tippett also completed a statement of ability to do work-related
activities on January 5, 2009. He opined that Gerard could occasionally lift and
carry up to ten pounds, could sit for thirty minutes without interruption, stand and
walk for five minutes without interruption, and could sit for eight hours in a work
day. Dr. Tippett further noted that Gerard had no limitations of his left hand, and
with his right hand could continuously reach overhead, frequently reach (nonoverhead), and occasionally handle, finger, and push/pull. Finally, he reported that
Gerard could occasionally climb stairs and ramps, balance, stoop, and kneel, but
could never climb ladders or scaffolds, crouch, or crawl.
On May 14, 2009, C. Lira of the Social Security Field Office met with
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Gerard and completed a disability report. Lira noted that Gerard had difficulty
with answering questions and walking. On January 25, 2010, Gerard saw Mary
Fran Digregario, APN, complaining of headaches, back pain, right shoulder pain,
and hypertension. Gerard also reported anxiety and depression. Gerard was
refered to William Feldner, DO, for further evaluation.
On February 17, 2010, Gerard was evaluated by Gitry Heydebrand, Ph.D. on
referral for a psychological consultation from the Missouri Department of Social
Services. Gerard told Dr. Heydebrand that he had back, elbow, knee, and shoulder
pain, trouble sitting, standing, or walking, and difficulty sleeping. Gerard also told
Dr. Heydebrand that he quit his last job because he could no longer do any heavy
lifting. When Dr. Heydebrand asked Gerard to describe his typical day, he
responded that he did chores such as cutting the grass, cooking and cleaning,
taking care of the household, and supervising his uncle 24 hours a day.
On February 25, 2010, Gerard saw Dr. Feldner for back and arm pain. Dr.
Feldner noted moderate tenderness of the lumbosacral spine and right elbow. He
diagnosed Gerard with degeneration of the lumbar disc, generalized osteoarthritis,
and deformity of the right elbow. Dr. Feldner ordered x-rays of Gerard‟s lower
spine and prescribed Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen. Gerard underwent x-rays that
same day. Carl Aschkenasi, M.D., interpreting the x-rays, noted that Gerard‟s
lumbar spine alignment was normal, that there was mild disc space narrowing at
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L3-L4, moderate disc space narrowing at L4-L5, and severe disc space narrowing
at L5-S1. Dr. Aschkenasi also noted prominent anterior spurring, no vertebral
body height loss, and normal coronal alignment. Dr. Aschkenasi concluded that
Gerard had moderate-to-severe degenerative disc disease of the lower lumbar
spine. On March 25, 2010, Gerard returned to Dr. Feldner, who again noted
deformity of Gerard‟s right elbow and degeneration of the lumbar disc.
On June 17, 2011, Gerard saw Anahit Danielyan, M.D., complaining of
dizziness and hypertension. Dr. Danielyan prescribed Meclizine to be taken three
times daily, as needed. On July 13, 2011, Gerard had an MRI which revealed no
acute intracranial pathology. He had an x-ray of the lumbar spine the same day,
which revealed mild leftward rotation of the lumbar spine. Dr. Danielyan opined
that the x-ray showed lumbar levoscoliosis with L3-L4 through L5-S1
degenerative disk height loss and accompanying spondyloarthropathy but no
fracture or subluxation.
Legal Standard
A court‟s role on review is to determine whether the Commissioner‟s
findings are supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole. Gowell v.
Apfel, 242 F.3d 793, 796 (8th Cir. 2001). Substantial evidence is less than a
preponderance, but is enough that a reasonable mind would find it adequate to
support the ALJ‟s conclusion. Prosch v. Apfel, 201 F.3d 1010, 1012 (8th Cir.
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2000). As long as there is substantial evidence on the record as a whole to support
the Commissioner‟s decision, a court may not reverse it because substantial
evidence exists in the record that would have supported a contrary outcome, id., or
because the court would have decided the case differently. Browning v. Sullivan,
958 F.2d 817, 822 (8th Cir. 1992). In determining whether existing evidence is
substantial, a court considers “evidence that detracts from the Commissioner‟s
decision as well as evidence that supports it.” Singh v. Apfel, 222 F.3d 448, 451
(8th Cir. 200) (citation omitted).
To determine whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence, the
Court is required to review the administrative record as a whole to consider:
(1)

the credibility findings made by the Administrative Law Judge;

(2)

the education, background, work history, and age of the
claimant;

(3)

the medical evidence from treating and consulting physicians;

(4)

the plaintiff‟s subjective complaints relating to exertional and
non-exertional impairments;

(5)

any corroboration by third parties of the plaintiff‟s
impairments; and

(6)

the testimony of vocational experts when required which is
based upon a proper hypothetical question.

Brand v. Secretary of Dep’t of Health, Educ. & Welfare, 623 F.2d 523, 527 (8th
Cir. 1980).
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Disability is defined in the social security regulations as the inability to
engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which
has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve
months. 42 U.S.C. § 416(i)(l); 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(A); 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1505(a) and 416.905(a). In determining whether a claimant is disabled, the
Commissioner must evaluate the claim using a five-step procedure.
First, the Commissioner must decide if the claimant is engaging in
substantial gainful activity. If the claimant is engaging in substantial gainful
activity, he is not disabled.
Next, the Commissioner determines if the claimant has a severe impairment
which significantly limits the claimant‟s physical or mental ability to do basic
work activities. If the claimant‟s impairment is not severe, he is not disabled.
If the claimant has a severe impairment, the Commissioner evaluates
whether the impairment meets or exceeds a listed impairment found in 20 C.F.R.
Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. If the impairment satisfies a listing in Appendix
1, the Commissioner will find the claimant disabled.
If the Commissioner cannot make a decision based on the claimant‟s current
work activity or medical facts alone, and the claimant has a severe impairment, the
Commissioner reviews whether the claimant can perform his past relevant work. If
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the claimant can perform his past relevant work, he is not disabled.
If the claimant cannot perform his past relevant work, the Commissioner
must evaluate whether the claimant can perform other work in the national
economy. If not, the Commissioner declares the claimant disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1520 and 416.920.
When evaluating evidence of subjective complaints, the ALJ is never free to
ignore the subjective testimony of the claimant, even if it is uncorroborated by
objective medical evidence. Basinger v. Heckler, 725 F.2d 1166, 1169 (8th Cir.
1984). The ALJ may, however, disbelieve a claimant‟s subjective complaints
when they are inconsistent with the record as a whole. See, e.g., Battles v.
Sullivan, 992 F.2d 657, 660 (8th Cir. 1990). In considering the subjective
complaints, the ALJ is required to consider the factors set out by Polaski v. Hecler,
739 F.2d 1320 (8th Cir. 1984), which include:
claimant‟s prior work record, and observations by third parties and
treating and examining physicians relating to such matters as:
1.

the claimant‟s daily activities;

2.

the duration, frequency, and intensity of the pain;

3.

precipitating and aggravating factors;

4.

dosage, effectiveness and side effects of
medication;

5.

functional restrictions.
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Id. at 1322.
The ALJ’s Findings
The ALJ found that Gerard was not disabled within the meaning of the
Social Security Act from May 14, 20092 through the date of the decision. He
issued the following specific findings:
1.

The claimant has not engaged in substantial activity since May 14,
2009, the application date (20 CFR 416.971 et seq.).

2.

The claimant has the following severe impairments: degenerative disc
disease of the lumbar spine; flexion contracture of the right elbow;
impingement syndrome of the right shoulder; generalized
osteoarthritis; and hypertension (20 CFR 416.920(c)).

3.

The claimant does not have an impairment or combination of
impairments that meets or medically equals one of the listed
impairments in 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20 CFR
416.920(d), 416.925, and 416.926).

4.

The claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform the full
range of light work as defined in 20 CFR 416.967(b).

5.

The claimant is unable to perform any past relevant work (20 CFR
416.965).

6.

The claimant was born on March 10, 1960 and was 49 years old,
which is defined as a younger individual age 18-49, on the date the
application was filed. The claimant subsequently changed age
category to closely approaching advanced age (20 CFR 416.963).

2

Gerard previously filed an application for supplemental security income and disability
insurance benefits on August 11, 2005 alleging disability beginning January 1, 2003. The claims
were initially denied on September 15, 2005. He again filed for supplemental security income
benefits on October 23, 2006, and received an initial denial on January 4, 2007. Since more than
two years had passed between the initial denial dates and the bringing of the present claims, see
20 CFR 416.1488-1489), the ALJ refused to reopen those claims, and only considered Gerard‟s
claims from the date the current application was filed.
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7.

The claimant has a limited education and is able to communicate in
English (20 CFR 416.964).

8.

Transferability of job skills is not material to the determination of
disability because applying the Medical-Vocational Rules directly
supports a finding of “not disabled,” whether or not the claimant has
transferable job skills (See SSR 82-41 and 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart
P, Appendix 2).

9.

Considering the claimant‟s age, education, work experience, and
residual functional capacity, there are jobs that exist in significant
numbers in the national economy that the claimant can perform (20
CFR 416.969 and 416.969(a)).

10.

The claimant has not been under a disability, as defined in the Social
Security Act, since May 14, 2009, the date the application was filed
(20 CFR 416.920(g)).

The ALJ concluded that Gerard‟s alleged physical impairments of right knee
strain and exostosis of the dorsum of the left foot were non-severe. He further
concluded that all of Gerard‟s alleged mental impairments, including depressive
disorder, pain disorder, alcohol dependence, and cannabis abuse, were non-severe
and did not cause more than mild limitations in any of the four broad functional
areas set out in the disability regulations, 20 CFR, Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix
1.
The ALJ considered all of Gerard‟s symptoms in determining his residual
functional capacity, including the extent to which those symptoms could be
reasonably accepted as consistent with the objective medical evidence. He
considered Gerard‟s relatively full range of motion and mobility. The ALJ
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assigned little weight to the opinion of Dr. Tippett because he found the opinion to
be inconsistent with the objective medical evidence, including Dr. Tippett‟s own
findings on examination. The ALJ further concluded that although Gerard‟s
medically determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to cause the
alleged symptoms, Gerard‟s statements concerning the intensity, persistence, and
limiting effects of the symptoms were not credible to the extent they were
inconsistent with the rest of the evidence. In evaluating Gerard‟s credibility, the
ALJ placed particular weight on Gerard‟s limited treatment history, inconsistent
allegations of unsubstantiated symptoms, and “robust” activities of daily living.
Discussion
When reviewing a denial of Social Security benefits, a court cannot reverse
an ALJ‟s decision simply because the court may have reached a different outcome,
or because substantial evidence might support a different outcome. Jones ex rel.
Morris v. Barnhard, 315 F.3d 974, 977 (8th Cir. 2003); Woolf v. Shalala, 3 F.3d
1210, 1213 (8th Cir. 1993). Instead, the court‟s task is a narrow one: to determine
whether there is substantial evidence on the record as a whole to support the ALJ‟s
decision. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Estes v. Barnhard, 275 F.3d 722, 724 (8th Cir.
2002). On appeal Gerard argues that the ALJ failed to fully develop the record,
that the ALJ failed to properly assess Gerard‟s RFC, and that the ALJ erred in
relying on the grids. Because I find that the ALJ‟s decision is supported by
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substantial evidence in the medical record, I will affirm.
The ALJ was not required to further develop the record
Gerard argues that the ALJ failed to fully develop the record on multiple
issues. “„Social security hearings are non-adversarial,‟ and an ALJ has a duty to
fully develop the record.” Johnson v. Astrue, 627 F.3d 316, 319 (8th Cir. 2010)
(quoting Snead v. Barnhart, 360 F.3d 834, 838 (8th Cir. 2004)). “An ALJ should
recontact a treating or consulting physician if a critical issue is undeveloped.” Id.
at 320 (citing Elis v. Barnhart, 392 F.3d 988, 994 (8th Cir. 2005)). “The ALJ is
required to order medical examinations and tests only if the medical records
presented to him do not give sufficient medical evidence to determine whether the
claimant is disabled.” Id. (quoting Barrett v. Shalala, 38 F.3d 1019, 1023 (8th Cir.
1994)).
First, Gerard argues that the ALJ erroneously relied on the silence of
Gerard‟s physicians regarding Gerard‟s functional abilities. See Lauer v. Apfel,
245 F.3d 700, 705 (“[W]e conclude that the absence of an opinion does not
constitute substantial evidence supporting the ALJ‟s findings”). During his
discussion of the evidence regarding Gerard‟s RFC, the ALJ wrote in part, “The
claimant‟s physicians have never advised him to abstain from any activities, such
as prolonged standing or walking or heavy lifting.” I find that there was
substantial evidence on the record independent of the physicians‟ silence to support
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the ALJ‟s decision. “An ALJ is permitted to issue a decision without obtaining
additional medical evidence so long as other evidence in the record provides a
sufficient basis for the ALJ‟s decision.” Anderson v. Shalala, 51 F.3d 777, 779
(8th Cir. 1995) (quoting Naber v. Shalala, 22 F.3d 186, 189 (8th Cir. 1994)).
Before mentioning the lack of restrictions given by Gerard‟s physicians, the ALJ
discussed at length the medical records regarding Gerard‟s range of motion,
mobility, and strength as evidence by examinations, observations, and medical
imaging tests.
Second, Gerard argues that the ALJ should have sought clarification from
Dr. Aschkenasi and Dr. Feldner regarding an apparent discrepancy in their reports.
Dr. Aschkenasi, the radiologist interpreting Gerard‟s x-rays of February 25, 2010,
noted that there was mild disc space narrowing at L3-L4, moderate disc space
narrowing at L4-L5, and severe disc space narrowing at L5-S1. Dr. Aschkenasi
concluded that Gerard had moderate-to-severe degenerative disc disease of the
lower lumbar spine. Dr. Feldner, Gerard‟s treating physician, interpreted the xrays as showing mild to moderate degenerative changes.
The thorough opinion of the ALJ makes it clear he considered all of the
medical evidence, including Dr. Aschkenasi‟s notes, weighed the evidence in
accordance with the applicable standards, and attempted to resolve any conflicts.
This is “precisely what an ALJ is instructed to do.” Hudson ex rel. Jones v.
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Barnhart, 345 F.3d 661, 666-67 (8th Cir. 2003) (citing Bentley v. Shalala, 52 F.3d
784, 785 (8th Cir. 1995) (“It is the ALJ‟s function to resolve conflicts among „the
various treating and examining physicians.‟” (citations omitted))).
Finally, Gerard argues that the ALJ erred in failing to obtain a March 2010
x-ray of Gerard‟s right elbow. Again, I find that the ALJ was not required to do so
because “other evidence in the record provides a sufficient basis for the ALJ‟s
decision.” Anderson, 51 F.3d at 779. Although the x-ray itself is not part of the
record, the ALJ discussed Dr. Feldner‟s March 25, 2010 report, which included Dr.
Feldner‟s interpretation of the x-ray. Further, Gerard did not explain how
obtaining the x-ray would have led to a different result. See Shannon v. Chater, 54
F.3d 484, 488 (8th Cir. 1995) (“[R]eversal due to failure to develop the record is
only warranted where such failure is unfair or prejudicial”). The ALJ‟s findings
were supported by substantial evidence regarding all of these issues, and he was
therefore not required to further develop the record as Gerard now argues.
The ALJ‟s RFC Determination was Supported by Substantial Evidence
Gerard also argues that the ALJ failed to properly assess his RFC by only
describing his RFC in general terms, not limiting Gerard‟s use of his right arm, and
not properly considering the effects of Gerard‟s pain. A claimant=s residual
functional capacity is what he or she can still do despite physical or mental
limitations. 20 C.F.R. pt. 404.1545(a); Lauer v. Apfel, 245 F.3d 700, 703 (8th Cir.
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2001). The ALJ Abears the primary responsibility for assessing a claimant=s
residual functional capacity based on all relevant evidence.@ Roberts v. Apfel, 222
F.3d 466, 469 (8th Cir. 2000). Although the ALJ is not limited to considering only
medical evidence in making this assessment, the ALJ is Arequired to consider at
least some supporting evidence from a professional,@ because a claimant=s residual
functional capacity is a medical question. Lauer, 245 F.3d at 704.
Here, the ALJ determined:
After careful consideration of the entire record, the undersigned finds
that the claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform the
full range of light work as defined in 20 CFR 416.967(b).
In his brief, Gerard suggests that the ALJ described his RFC in only general terms.
To the contrary, the ALJ repeatedly stated Gerard could perform the “full range” of
light work. Light work is defined as:
Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with
frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even
though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category
when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it
involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of
arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or
wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially
all of these activities.
20 CFR 416.967(b). The ALJ based this determination on substantial evidence
from the medical records. The ALJ noted that Gerard demonstrated a full range of
motion of the right shoulder despite his complaints of pain, and that although there
was decreased range of motion of the right elbow, there was no swelling and only
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mild tenderness. The ALJ also relied on multiple doctors‟ reports which indicated
Gerard‟s straight-leg raise tests were negative, he walked without a limp, and his
strength and tone were normal.
Although Dr. Tippett, the consultative examiner, determined Gerard to have
a more restrictive RFC, the ALJ gave little weight to this opinion. The ALJ noted
internal inconsistencies with Dr. Tippett‟s opinion, such as simultaneously finding
that Gerard had normal range of motion in the bilateral wrists, normal bilateral grip
strength, and normal abilities to extend the hands, make fists, and oppose the
fingers, but then set severe limitations on Gerard‟s ability to reach, handle,
push/pull, and finger. The ALJ also noted inconsistencies between Dr. Tippett‟s
opinion and the record as a whole. Considering these inconsistencies and the fact
that medical opinions from consultative sources are typically entitled to less weight
than medical opinions from treating sources, the ALJ was justified in assigning
little weight to Dr. Tippett‟s opinion. See Owen v. Astrue, 551 F.3d 792, 798 (8th
Cir. 2008).
Furthermore, the ALJ indicated that he did not find Gerard to be wholly
credible, and thus discounted his account of pain and limitations accordingly.
Evidence of pain and severity of other symptoms is necessarily subjective in
nature. Therefore, an ALJ must look to more than just objective medical evidence,
or the lack thereof, in determining whether and to what extent a claimant=s
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symptoms affect the ability to perform work-related activities. Halpin v. Shalala,
999 F.2d 342, 346 (8th Cir. 1993); Delrosa v. Sullivan, 922 F.2d 480, 485 (8th Cir.
1991). Under the framework set forth in Polaski v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1320, 132122 (8th Cir. 1984), an ALJ must fully consider all evidence relating to the
subjective complaints, including the claimant=s work record, as well as
observations of the claimant by others (including treating and examining doctors)
as to such matters as daily activities; the intensity, duration, and frequency of the
symptoms and conditions causing and aggravating the symptoms; and functional
limitations. Ford v. Astrue, 518 F.3d 979, 982 (8th Cir. 2008). An ALJ is
permitted to discount the claimant=s complaints if they are Ainconsistent with the
evidence as a whole.@ Id. (quoting Casey v. Astrue, 503 F.3d 687, 695 (8th Cir.
2007)). When discounting a claimant=s complaints, the ALJ is required to Adetail
the reasons for discrediting the testimony and set forth the inconsistencies found.@
Ford, 518 F.3d at 982 (quoting Lewis v. Barnhart, 353 F.3d 642, 647 (8th Cir.
2003)).
Here, the ALJ properly considered Gerard=s testimony and made credibility
findings supported by evidence in the record. The ALJ determined that Gerard=s
testimony was not credible in part because there was a lack of medical evidence
supporting his claims. Although an ALJ may not discount testimony solely due to
a lack of medical evidence, this is one factor that may properly be considered.
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Halpin v. Shalala, 999 F.2d 342, 346 (8th Cir. 1993). In addition to discrepancies
between Gerard=s alleged symptoms and pain and the medical records as discussed
above, the ALJ also considered inconsistencies within Gerard=s testimony and
written reports. The ALJ found that although Gerard‟s medically determinable
impairments could reasonably be expected to cause the alleged symptoms,
Gerard‟s statements about the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of those
symptoms were not credible. The ALJ noted Gerard‟s limited treatment history,
inconsistent allegations of unsubstantiated symptoms, and robust activities of daily
living. See, e.g., Van Vickle v. Astrue, at 828 (ALJ may discount claimant=s
subjective complaints if there are inconsistencies in record as a whole); Pelkey v.
Barnhart, 433 F.3d 575, 578-79 (8th Cir. 2006) (credibility can be discounted
based on reported daily activities). The ALJ‟s RFC determination was stated with
adequate specificity, supported by substantial evidence, and based on the ALJ‟s
properly-considered credibility determination.
The ALJ Did Not Error by Failing to Obtain Vocational Expert Testimony
Gerard also argues that the ALJ erred by not obtaining testimony from a
vocational expert in light of Gerard=s alleged nonexertional impairment of pain.
There is a general rule that, AIf a claimant has a nonexertional impairment, the
Guidelines and grid are not controlling and cannot be used to direct a conclusion of
disabled or not disabled without regard to other evidence such as vocational
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testimony.@ McCoy v. Schweiker, 683 F.2d 1138, 1148 (8th Cir. 1982) (abrogated
on other grounds). However, the Eighth Circuit has parsed out nuanced exceptions
to this rule where AThe ALJ finds, and the record supports the finding, that the
nonexertional impairments do not significantly diminish the claimant=s RFC to
perform the full range of activities listed in the guidelines.@ Brock v. Astrue, 674
F.3d 1062, 1064 (8th Cir. 2012) (quoting Reed v. Sullivan, 988 F.2d 812, 816 (8th
Cir. 1993)). Where the extent of the nonexertional limitation depends on the
credibility of subjective testimony about pain, the ALJ may rely solely on the
Guidelines under the exception because pain is closely related to the claimant=s
exertional ability. Brock, 674 F.3d at 1065 (citing Wheeler v. Sullivan, 888 F.2d
1233, 1238-89 (8th Cir. 1989)).
Here, Gerard argues that his pain constitutes a nonexertional impairment that
requires the testimony of a vocational expert. The Eighth Circuit has made clear
that the ALJ may rely solely on the Guidelines where the extent of the
nonexertional limitation depends on the credibility of subjective testimony about
pain. The ALJ discounted Gerard=s credibility in reporting his alleged pain, and as
discussed above, this conclusion was supported by substantial evidence on the
record. See Pirtle v. Astrue, 479 F.3d 931, 935 (8th Cir. 2007) (quoting Gregg v.
Barnhart, 354 F.3d 710, 714 (8th Cir. 2003) (AIf an ALJ explicitly discredits the
claimant=s testimony and gives good reason for doing so, we will normally defer to
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the ALJ=s credibility determination.@)). The ALJ=s determination that Gerard=s
nonexertional impairment did not significantly diminish Gerard=s RFC was thus
supported by substantial evidence on the record.
For the reasons discussed above, I find that the decision denying benefits
was supported by substantial evidence, and I will affirm the ALJ‟s decision.
Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the decision of the Commissioner is
affirmed.
A separate Judgment in accordance with this Memorandum and Order is
entered this same date.

CATHERINE D. PERRY
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Dated this 23rd day of October, 2013.

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